Holy Spirit Research Paper

Abstract

The Bible is full of many types and pictures representing other concepts. These may purposely be put in place inspired by the Holy Spirit or they may be what some theologian or biblical student has dreamed up. Although the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead the saints of the Old Testament era did not think of Him as a separate divine being but rather as a powerful force of God. This force was believed to be proof of the presence of God. The development of the doctrine and role of the Holy Spirit took many centuries. There was little attention given to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit prior to the Nicene Creed. There were other more urgent matters that needed to be addressed and dealt with, such as Christology conflicts. Saint Anselm finally brought the subject to light during the age of scholasticism. Even though the Holy Spirit was not introduced to us as such until Jesus began to reveal that mystery, we as Christians, accept by faith the doctrine of the Trinity. We know that as God, He is eternal and as such has always existed. Just as there are types and pictures of Jesus Christ in the Bible and the Jewish culture, one can also find types of the Holy Spirit. If one digs under the words
To the ancient Israelites, this act of anointing someone was a public ritual done in order to consecrate or set that person aside for a special duty. The word for anoint in the Old Testament is “mashach” which means “to smear over with oil.” Not only were people anointed but also sacred items were anointed. The rabbinical thought is that this anointing is a sign of God’s blessing on what has been given back to Him. The custom in ancient Israel was to pour the oil over a person which would be enough to cover his entire head and run down over the beard and clothes. Many times after this was completed the Holy Spirit would come upon that